Spicy North African Potato Salad

Story behind the dish

In the bustling heart of North Africa, vibrant flavors and bold spices come together to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting. This spicy potato salad is a celebration of those flavors—a perfect blend of warmth, spice, and freshness, inspired by traditional North African ingredients. Imagine the sun-drenched markets filled with fresh herbs, pungent spices, and ripe vegetables, all coming together in this lively salad that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a hearty side. It’s a dish that sparks conversation and brings a little piece of North Africa to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (16 oz) small potatoes
• 1 teaspoon harissa spice
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon
• 4 spring onions (green onions)
• 6 oz (150 g) arugula (rocket)
• 3 oz (80 g) feta cheese
• 20 fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of freshly ground pepper

Step-by-step

1. Place the potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. Drain and roughly chop the potatoes in half.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the harissa spice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Add the harissa mixture and sliced spring onions to the cooked potatoes, gently stirring to coat.
4. Spread the arugula on a large serving platter or salad bowl.
5. Top the arugula with the seasoned potatoes and toss lightly to combine.
6. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, then sprinkle with chopped mint and pine nuts.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For an extra burst of freshness, add more chopped mint or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving.
• Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a complete North African-inspired feast.

Closing thoughts

Imagine sitting on a sunlit terrace, savoring this spicy North African potato salad, its flavors mingling perfectly with the warm breeze and vibrant surroundings. This dish turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary—a delightful ode to North African culinary traditions that’s sure to brighten any mealtime with its lively, fiery notes and fresh herbs. Happy cooking!